Police Discretion

What is police discretion described as in the provided material?

• The ability of the police to enforce laws as they see fit.

• The "freedom of the individual officer to act according to his or her own judgement in particular situations."

• A set of rules that all police officers must follow strictly.

• The requirement for police officers to arrest someone when ordered.

According to the material, can police officers be ordered to arrest someone?

• Yes, they must follow orders to arrest someone.

• No, they cannot be ordered to arrest someone.

• Only if it aligns with general policing goals.

• Yes, but only in cases of stereotyping.

What does the material suggest about controlling police discretion?

• It is easy to do and encouraged.

• It is not easy to do and is a subject of debate.

• It is not necessary and should be avoided.

• It is fully controlled by police policies.

Does police discretion allow officers to ignore professional standards according to the material?

• Yes, it allows complete freedom.

• No, but it can be seen as a burden of professional responsibility.

• Yes, but only in situations of freedom.

• No, it is strictly about following the law.

Why is there a need for discretion in policing according to the slide?

• Because it is a skill that is easy to apply.

• To maintain a good relationship between police and public.

• It has been proven to significantly impact crime levels.

• Because it allows for arresting and charging everyone for every offence.

What did Lord Scarman refer to as a skill in the context of policing?

• The ability to arrest everyone for every offence.

• The ability to apply discretion.

• The essence of informed professionalism.

• The use of common sense.

According to the slide, why can't police arrest or charge everyone for every offence?

• Because it would be too straightforward.

• Because it would be practical and legitimate.

• Due to limited resources.

• Because it has been proven to reduce crime levels.

What is suggested to be more than just common sense in the context of policing?

• The need to arrest and charge for every offence.

• The skill to apply discretion.

• The relationship between police and public.

• The impact on crime levels.

What does discretion apply to in the context of the material provided?

• Only to front-line situations

• Only to communication strategies

• Policies/strategy

• Only to resource management

What must be balanced when prioritizing decisions and tactical decisions?

• Financial investments

• Liberties

• Workload among employees

• Communication channels